2026.03.27 | Recommendations

【Yanesen】A Half-Day Spring WalkCherry Blossoms, Cafés, Local Shops & Hidden Gems

When the gentle breeze of spring starts calling you outside, there’s really only one thing to do: go for a walk. Of all the seasons, spring might just be the best time to wander without a plan.

Maybe you arrived at the hotel earlier than expected, or you suddenly find yourself with a free hour or two. What do you do with that kind of unplanned time? Rather than cramming in more sightseeing, why not just let your feet take you somewhere?

On days like that, a slow, aimless stroll through the neighborhood is exactly what we’d recommend.

What is Yanesen?

Yanesen is a charming area made up of Yanaka, Nezu, and Sendagi.
It’s known for its old-town atmosphere, small local shops, and quiet backstreets.

Rather than sightseeing spot by spot, this area is best enjoyed by simply wandering and popping into places that catch your eye.

▼ Walking Route

①Think / Oshi Olive / Biomadaga/ Katatema
↓
②Yanaka Cemetery
↓
③Tennoji Temple
↓
④SMPL CAFE

① Think

We started the morning with a light breakfast at Think , about a 10-minute walk from the hotel.

It’s tucked away in a quiet residential area, so finding it feels like a little discovery.
Inside, the cozy space and the smell of fresh butter pastries instantly set the mood.

It’s a popular spot, so there might be a line—but it’s worth the wait.

What we tried:

Sakura Scone (¥430)
Milk France (¥380)
Maple Bacon Cheese Croissant (¥440)

The sakura scone has a subtle floral sweetness, balanced with a hint of salt.
The milk France is soft and chewy with a light, creamy filling.
The croissant, with its crispy pastry, combined with the saltiness of the bacon and the sweetness of the maple syrup, is a truly satisfying treat.

If the weather’s nice, grab a seat outside and enjoy it with the cherry blossoms.

<Shop Information>
Name: Think Bakery
Address: 2-15-6 Uenosakuragi, Taito-ku, Tokyo, Uenosakuragi Atari, Building 2, 1F
Hours: 10:30–17:00 (until sold out)
Closed: Mondays and TuesdaysOfficial Instagram: @think_tokyo

Oshi Olive

Next, we stopped by Oshi Olive, right in the same complex.
This shop specializes in olive oils and salts from around the world—and yes, you can taste everything.

From rare Portuguese olive oils to fun flavors like garlic & shiitake or wasabi, there’s a lot to try.

The staff are super friendly and happy to help if you’re not sure what to pick.

<Shop Information>
Name: Oshi Olive
Address: 2-15-6 Uenosakuragi, Taito-ku, Tokyo, Atari, Building 3, 1F
Hours: 11:00–18:00
Closed: MondaysOfficial Instagram: @oshiolive314

Biomadaga

Upstairs is Biomadaga, a unique shop focused on products from Madagascar.

They carry spices, chocolate, coffee, and handmade goods you don’t usually see in Japan.
The owner is really passionate about Madagascar, which makes the experience even more interesting.

We got to try fresh cacao nibs—rich, slightly bitter, and full of flavor.

<Shop Information>
Name: Biomadaga
Address: 2-15-6 Uenosakuragi, Taito-ku, Tokyo, Uenosakuragi Atari, Building 3, 2F
Hours: 11:00–17:00 (Tuesdays: 13:00–17:00)
Closed: Mondays
Official Instagram: @biomadaga
Located within the same complex as Think Bakery and Oshi Olive.

Katatema

Right next to Biomadaga is a small shop called “Katatema,” which is co-owned and operated by various creators.

You’ll find a mix of handmade accessories, books, and Japanese-style items—almost like a mini gallery.
The view of cherry blossoms from the window is also a nice bonus.

The view of cherry blossoms from the window is also a nice bonus.
It’s the kind of place where you lose track of time without even realizing it.

<Shop Information>
Name: Katatema
Address: 2-15-6 Uenosakuragi, Taito-ku, Tokyo, Uenosakuragi Atari, Building 3, 2F
Hours: Around 11:00–17:00
Please check the shop’s SNS for the latest opening schedule.
Closed: Irregular
Official Instagram: @katatema.yanaka

Located within the same complex as Think Bakery and Oshi Olive.

② Yanaka Cemetery

After some food and shopping, we headed to Yanaka Cemetery, just about 5 minutes away.It’s one of the best cherry blossom spots in the area.
The main path, often called “Sakura Street,” is lined with trees that create a beautiful tunnel of blossoms.
There’s also a rare type of cherry tree called Ukon, which has pale yellow-green flowers—something a bit different from the usual pink.

<Spot Information>
Name: Yanaka Cemetery
Address: 7-5-24 Yanaka, Taito-ku, Tokyo
Hours: Open at all times
Closed: None
Cherry blossoms are typically best from late March to early April.

③ Tennoji Temple

At the end of the cherry blossom path, you’ll find Tennoji Temple.
It’s a quiet, peaceful spot—perfect for taking a short break and soaking in the atmosphere.

The cherry blossoms inside the temple grounds add a really soft, calming touch.

Yanaka is known as a temple town, and Tennoji is actually the oldest one in the area.
It’s also part of the “Seven Lucky Gods” route, which many people visit for good fortune.

<Spot Information>
Name: Tennoji Temple (Yanaka)
Address: 7-14-8 Yanaka, Taito-ku, Tokyo
Hours: Grounds open to the public
Closed: None

④ SMPL CAFE

To wrap up the walk, we stopped by SMPL CAFE, about a 6-minute walk from Tennoji.
It’s a small, casual café with a focus on simple, healthy options.

We sat outside and relaxed with:

Banana Milk Smoothie (soy milk) ¥330
KURO Smoothie ¥495
Hot Sandwich ¥440
Rice flour banana chocolate nut cake ¥250

The drinks were light and refreshing, and everything felt healthy but still satisfying.
Even better—everything together stayed under ¥1,000.

<Shop Information>
Name: SMPL CAFE
Address: 7-5-25 Yanaka, Taito-ku, Tokyo, Yanaka Apartment, 1F
Hours: 10:00–18:00
Closed: WednesdaysOfficial Instagram: @smpl_cafe

So, how was this half-day walk around Yanesen?
It’s the kind of place where time just passes by without you noticing.
Especially in spring, the whole area has a calm, almost nostalgic feel.
If you’re looking for a slower, more local Tokyo experience, Yanesen is definitely worth exploring.

■HOTEL GRAPHY NEZU

＜Hotel Overview＞
Name: HOTEL GRAPHY NEZU
Address: 4-5-10 Ikenohata, Taito-ku, Tokyo 110-0008
Access: 3-minute walk from Nezu Station (Chiyoda Line)
Web | Instagram

<Cafe Information>
Name: GRAPHY NEZU CAFE & LOUNGE
Address: HOTEL GRAPHY NEZU 1F, 4-5-10 Ikenohata, Taito-ku, Tokyo 110-0008
Hours:
・Breakfast: 7:30–11:00 (L.O. 10:30)
・Lunch: 11:00–14:00
・Dinner: 17:00–22:00 (L.O. 21:30)
Closed: Irregular (Generally open daily during the above hours)